Wednesday, 16 May 2018

Gene Therapy :

Gene
therapy is an experimental technique that uses genes to treat or prevent
disease. In the future, this technique may allow doctors to treat a disorder by
inserting a gene into a patient’s cells instead of using drugs or surgery.
Researchers are testing several approaches to gene therapy, including:

·Replacing
a mutated gene that causes disease with a healthy copy of the gene.

·Inactivating,
or “knocking out,” a mutated gene that is functioning improperly.

·Introducing
a new gene into the body to help fight a disease.

Although
gene therapy is a promising treatment option for a number of diseases
(including inherited disorders, some types of cancer, and certain viral
infections), the technique remains risky and is still under study to make sure
that it will be safe and effective. Gene therapy is currently being tested only
for diseases that have no other cures.